BREAKING: Fed Cuts Rates by 0.25% – First Reduction Since 2020

The Federal Reserve lowered its benchmark rate to 5.00%-5.25% today, responding to cooling inflation (now at 2.9%). This ends the most aggressive hiking cycle since the 1980s. Mortgage rates are expected to dip below 6.5% within weeks, while credit card APRs should follow modestly.

Bitcoin Plunges 15% After Mt. Gox Repayment News

Bitcoin dropped to $54,000 on June 24 – its lowest since February – after Mt. Gox administrators started distributing 140,000 BTC. This creates potential selling pressure as creditors may cash out coins purchased at just $500 in 2014. The selloff dragged down crypto-related stocks (Coinbase -12%, MicroStrategy -15%).

Nvidia Hits $3 Trillion: AI Boom Reshapes Market Leadership

Nvidia’s stock surged 150% YTD, reaching a $3 trillion valuation on June 18. The chipmaker now commands 80% of AI processor market share, with data center revenue growing 427% YoY. This reflects the AI infrastructure gold rush as companies scramble to deploy large language models.

Fed Holds Rates Steady: What It Means for Your Wallet

The Fed’s June 2024 decision marks the seventh consecutive pause after 2022-2023’s aggressive hikes. While inflation has cooled from 9% to 3.4%, policymakers want more confidence before cutting rates. This means borrowers won’t see relief yet – mortgage rates remain near 7%, and credit card APRs stay at record highs.